Ed 213: Juice Bar, Fourth of July Plans, Family-Friendly To-Dos
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Happy Wednesday, folks! 👋
The week is moving right along, and we’ve already got our eyes on the long weekend — but also on the Hocus Pocus 2 trailer. Like, we want a hot dog and a cold beer, but we also want pumpkin-shaped candy corn. It’s confusion.
… Anyway.
The upcoming holiday weekend is packed with fun to-dos for Independence Day, but truly, the whole month of July is lookin’ pretty good from where we’re standing. With your feedback in mind, we’ve been working on more family-friendly content, and this week, we’re debuting something new: The Family Calendar! Think of it as your go-to resource for family-friendly city guides, the best events and happenings for families, and fun things to do around RVA with the fam in tow.
All right. Like we mentioned at the top, there are hot dogs and cold beers to be had. Let’s get this show on the road:
THINGS WE’RE *WAY* LOVING THIS MONTH
It’s the end of another month, so here’s the low-down on a few of our favorite things for June!
Sam:
AR’s Hot Southern Honey: Our fam eats pizza *at least* once a week in the summer, and every time we bring a pie home, we bust out AR’s Hot Southern Honey. It’s a little sweet with some subtle heat and just takes our ‘za to the next level.
Cucumber Wondermist from Maven Made: This month, Maven Made released their highly-anticipated Cucumber Wondermist hydrating facial mist, and I’m eagerly awaiting the restock! I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure it’s true to their brand (aka: totally top-notch skincare and wellness products). The Cucumber Wondermist is for moisturizing (particularly after spending time in the sun), and it can also be used as a mask spray to minimize puffiness in the face, or as an aromatic all-over mist. I have loved every single product I’ve purchased from them (see: the brown sugar scrub, their headache and tension remedy roller, and the facial serum), and I can’t wait to get my hands on this newest one!
Paige:
The great (RVA) outdoors: I have been loving getting outside this month! Walks along the river, visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, cruising with Paddle Club RVA, and breathing through a SUP yoga class have been the highlights of my June. Sometimes, I take the James River for granted, but I’ve recently been getting in some quality time with it and loving all the ways we can enjoy it!
Kelsey:
Chubby Baby Hoops from Elsie Frieda: I drift into a daydream about the Tie-Dye Twisted Hoops and Chubby Baby Hoops from Elsie Frieda on a weekly basis, I'd say, and I finally added the latter to my jewelry box. They’re a little pop of summer on my lobes, but I’m also looking forward to pairing them with my winter wardrobe to add some color when things cool down at the end of the year.
Blue Habanero’s Chicken Chipotle Tacos: I had din at Blue Habanero days ago, and I’m still thinking about it, okay? Their Chicken Chipotle Tacos feature a delish combo of grilled chicken, chipotle spices, red cabbage, pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce. *chef’s kiss* The salsa they serve with their chips for an appetizer is also a must-order for any just-the-right-amount-of-spice fans. Yum.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly cloudy; high of 88°, low of 67°
Thursday: Mostly sunny; high of 89°, low of 70°
Friday: Mostly sunny; high of 92°, low of 74°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: RVAx Monthly Book Club
Thursday, 6:30 - 8 pm: Kokedoma Workshop
Friday, 12 - 9 pm: Buskey Red, White, and Blue CIDERbration
CITY GUIDES
1. YOUR GUIDE TO FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND IN RICHMOND
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Jody Short: She’s the owner of new-to-Carytown dry bottle shop Point 5, which offers an array of non-alcoholic beverage options. As she recently told Richmond BizSense, the idea came to Jody when she enjoyed an alcohol-free stint during the pandemic but realized how few options there are for non-drinkers.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a pasta CSA, a wine-tasting championship, an inaugural Brewfest, and more.
THE LATEST:
THINGS TO EAT & DRINK
More on Biscuits & Gravy: In Edition 208 of the Insider, we mentioned that Tang & Biscuit had plans to bring its elevated and funky diner concept to town, and now those plans are officially in play. Biscuits & Gravy debuted earlier this month in The Dairy Bar's former home of 76 years in Scott's Addition. "Serving everything from the classic two eggs and accoutrements to a stacked breakfast lasagna, the newly revamped diner is serving up old favorites along with a more modern, 'funky' spin." (Richmond magazine)
We're tortellini in love with this update: Pop-up shop Oro recently announced the launch of its Summer Pasta CSA. Ordering is live now, and its summer season will run from July 2 through September 3. In Oro's words, "Farm CSAs allow customers to purchase artisanal products, often at a lower price, and allow farms and producers to plan ahead for their production. Sure, people who participate in local CSAs are directly supporting local farmers, and farming, but [they] also enjoy the seasonality of their produce and tend to feel more connected with their food." (Oro)
Hop on over there next month: Fat Rabbit just announced it'll be ready for its soft opening on Wednesday, July 13. From the Pop-Tart-esque treats to cinnamon buns to wow-worthy cakes, we've been drooling in anticipation for this one for a while and can't wait to put it in our regular Union Hill rotation next month. (Instagram)
Some juicy news for Downtown RVA: Blacker the Berry has plans to open in July in a Shockoe Bottom brick-and-mortar store. Owner Lamonte Yates wanted to bring his juice shop to the heart of the city, and we're looking forward to quenching our thirst with fan-favorite Blueprint or his personal favorite Blacker the Berry (but of course). (Instagram)
THINGS TO ATTEND
Reds, whites, and food: Jardin is hosting its first annual Blind Tasting Mania on July 10. Spend the aft on the wine bar's patio to watch participants use their senses of taste and smell alone to decipher three whites and three reds in 12 minutes. Then, hang around for some food and live music, and celebrate the champion. (Instagram)
Wish we were beer: Richmond is gearing up to celebrate its inaugural Brewfest next month. On July 16, head to Shockoe Bottom to enjoy local brews (from Richbrau, Benchtop, and Trapezium — to name just a few), grub from Brew Craft Bar & Kitchen, and live music. And feel free to bring the kids! There'll be a kid's corner set up with balloon artists, crafts, bubbles, and inflatable games. (Brewtown, USA)
Forever summer: August 6 will welcome back the Veil Brewing Co.'s Forever Summer festival. Tickets include a tasting glass, a three-ounce taste of each participating beer, and a bottle of Starve — the Veil's blended, barrel-aged imperial stout made in some very special, hand-selected barrels from their stock of oak-aged beers. Even better, proceeds benefit ChildSavers. (Eventbrite)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🆒Tracy Morgan was spotted at Mama J’s last weekend. (Instagram)
🍺Sapporo USA will acquire Stone Brewing in August. (Richmond BizSense)
Weekly Giveaway
Hardywood West Creek: Let Lagers Ring
Can’t decide what you want to do to celebrate Independence Day? We’ve got you covered — but it’s this weekend, so this giveaway’s going to move quickly. Keep an eye on your inbox!
This week, we’re teaming up with Hardywood West Creek to give away TWO sets of two tickets to the location’s Let Lagers Ring event for this Sunday, July 3.
To enter to win, tell us: What is your fave potato dish?
Last week: Congratulations to last week’s winner, Virginia O., for winning our Swig Life giveaway!
Member Perks
RVA Paddlesports
It looks like Richmond’s gearing up for some more toasty temps, so stay cool by gearing up with RVA Paddlesports, too. The shop is the #1 destination for outdoor activities in the city, offering a wide variety of kayaking, rafting, canoeing, paddleboarding, and climbing services for customers of all skill levels. They also have rental gear available with delivery and pickup options!
RVAx members receive 10% off any booking for use Sunday through Friday with code: stormtrooper. Book your adventure here!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 34 new members this week: Ethan F., Amanda O., Liz K., Sabrina Y., Mary Francis B., Peyton N., Malik T., Andrew W., Lindsay T., Deborah K., Emilie V., Kelly D., Amy S., Jessica W., Samantha A., Petra D., Janae D., Cate M., Antenette S., Jeffrey T., Savannah M., Melissa L., John A., Lakia W., Katherine S., Emmaline L., Josh W., Jayson G., Anna W., Carolyn H., Liv C., Joan M., Adam L., and Abbie H., we’re so glad you’re here!
It takes a village, so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 213 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a great week!
- The Richmond Experience
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